Mr_Ross_Duncan
Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
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Thanks Kaz, great info.I suggest trying Southern Cross Travel Insurance. I used them for my last trip, the Via Francigena, in pre-Covid 2019. I didn't need to make a claim but they seem to be right on top of the Covid situation.
View attachment 116591
For previous trips, I mostly used WorldCare. I did need to make a claim resulting from a tumble down a flight of steps...(okay, it was two steps & I misjudged the bottom one...) which they settled in full, quickly & without fuss.
I chose SCTI for the VF purely because it was better value for a 4 month long trip.
Good luck. I'm sure there's a number of us who would be interested in what you find out & who you eventually went with.
Hi Gigi, I am also going with the hope of using my CommBank credit card insurance. This is what I’ve done pre covid, but now will have to carefully read the fine print . Glad to finally hear someone else doing the same.I hope to mainly walk in Galicia which offers free insurance for pilgrims if you get covid.
Otherwise, for the remainder, I plan to activate my visa travel insurance which is free if you pay for your flights with your vis card.
Hoping to travel May June and was planning on also using my travel insurance which is included in my CommBank credit card. Glad to hear someone else doing the same. Fingers crossedThe measure of any insurance company is in the way they handle and reimburse claims .
During the Icelandic volcano event Covermore Insurance provided support , accommodation , clothing allowances and incidental expenses for ten days for my family and I .
Our luggage was already on the plane when the travel bans were made . Paris could have been a nightmare , Covermore made sure it was an extra holiday .
I'm hoping to go early May, Portuguese Coastal, Primitivo and Finesterre Muxia loop....Hi Gigi, I am also going with the hope of using my CommBank credit card insurance. This is what I’ve done pre covid, but now will have to carefully read the fine print . Glad to finally hear someone else doing the same.
Thanks for that Mack, I had a look at Covermore and they do seem to be pretty good, they do however have one slightly off-putting clause, We will not pay for any claims arising from or caused by COVID-19 if:Covermore is great. Their call staff are always helpful and any claims are expediously handled.
Nice to hear Charles, thanks for the tip.The measure of any insurance company is in the way they handle and reimburse claims .
During the Icelandic volcano event Covermore Insurance provided support , accommodation , clothing allowances and incidental expenses for ten days for my family and I .
Our luggage was already on the plane when the travel bans were made . Paris could have been a nightmare , Covermore made sure it was an extra holiday .
Hi Mandy, yes, I think reading the fine print carefully would be very wiseHi Gigi, I am also going with the hope of using my CommBank credit card insurance. This is what I’ve done pre covid, but now will have to carefully read the fine print . Glad to finally hear someone else doing the same.
Hi Kaz, after some, frankly, bewildering reading, we've narrowed our choice down to either SCTI or CoverMore, there's one question we'd like CoverMore to answer before we go ahead though, see the reply to fellow walker Mack here in this topic. Cheers.I suggest trying Southern Cross Travel Insurance. I used them for my last trip, the Via Francigena, in pre-Covid 2019. I didn't need to make a claim but they seem to be right on top of the Covid situation.
View attachment 116591
For previous trips, I mostly used WorldCare. I did need to make a claim resulting from a tumble down a flight of steps...(okay, it was two steps & I misjudged the bottom one...) which they settled in full, quickly & without fuss.
I chose SCTI for the VF purely because it was better value for a 4 month long trip.
Good luck. I'm sure there's a number of us who would be interested in what you find out & who you eventually went with.
I am Australian and have my flights booked for late March for the Portuguese Camino. I went with Zoom travel insurance as I have used them before and found them very helpful. They had no problem suspending the policy I had bought for my aborted 2020 trip and reactivating it for this upcoming one. Cost an extra $30 dollars to update.
As far as covid goes, I don't think many insurers will insure for covid related claims, and those that do have tight restrictions. The Zoom site says this : It is important to note that our policies have a general exclusion against epidemics and pandemics. That means that we don’t cover claims that arise from, or relate to, an epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19. How they define covid related is the question.
I can imagine the headache you must have from your research Ross....Hi Kaz, after some, frankly, bewildering reading, we've narrowed our choice down to either SCTI or CoverMore, there's one question we'd like CoverMore to answer before we go ahead though, see the reply to fellow walker Mack here in this topic. Cheers.
Thanks Alwyn, all good information. CheersI used Travel Insurance NZ (info@travelinsurance.co.nz) for my four trips (2016, 2017, 2018 and the aborted 2020)
I needed advice in 2016 and they would only work with landlines. I had a data plan that didn't cover call back to NZ. Their assumption was you stayed in hotels with fax machines.
In 2017 things were a lot easier and email was usable.
No needs arose in 2018.
And in 2020 the policy did not respond to pandemics. But I had lot left and got jist about all my airfares back. Just lost the travel insurance premium itself.
They cover walking so long as you stay below 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). So even the Grand Saint Bernard (at 2,400 m) is OK.
Kia kaha
I am planning of traveling to Spain/Europe in May and read that some countries (Spain included) request travelers to have medical insurance that cover covid. I checked southern cross and read that they do cover hospitalisation which is the main important bit.I suggest trying Southern Cross Travel Insurance. I used them for my last trip, the Via Francigena, in pre-Covid 2019. I didn't need to make a claim but they seem to be right on top of the Covid situation.
View attachment 116591
For previous trips, I mostly used WorldCare. I did need to make a claim resulting from a tumble down a flight of steps...(okay, it was two steps & I misjudged the bottom one...) which they settled in full, quickly & without fuss.
I chose SCTI for the VF purely because it was better value for a 4 month long trip.
Good luck. I'm sure there's a number of us who would be interested in what you find out & who you eventually went with.
Thanks Gabi, a good point and very important.I am planning of traveling to Spain/Europe in May and read that some countries (Spain included) request travelers to have medical insurance that cover covid. I checked southern cross and read that they do cover hospitalisation which is the main important bit.
which portuguese camino will you be doing?I am Australian and have my flights booked for late March for the Portuguese Camino. I went with Zoom travel insurance as I have used them before and found them very helpful. They had no problem suspending the policy I had bought for my aborted 2020 trip and reactivating it for this upcoming one. Cost an extra $30 dollars to update.
As far as covid goes, I don't think many insurers will insure for covid related claims, and those that do have tight restrictions. The Zoom site says this : It is important to note that our policies have a general exclusion against epidemics and pandemics. That means that we don’t cover claims that arise from, or relate to, an epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19. How they define covid related is the question.
Check that the insurance cover covid related medical costs. Many travel companies are good but do not cover covid. I found that out when booking a flight to Raro last July.which portuguese camino will you be doing?
Check the Spanish govt siteJust checked with my travel agent. IATA international regulations site and covid insurance is not a stipulation for either country ( Spain or Portugal)
Like a lot of this dreadful never-ending pandemic the messaging remains confusing, complicated and contradictory. Whatever the correct stipulation, I personally wouldn't want to be travelling far right now without some Covid hospitalization coverage.Just checked with my travel agent. IATA international regulations site and covid insurance is not a stipulation for either country ( Spain or Portugal)
Staring in Lisbon, will decide further when I get to Porto.which portuguese camino will you be doing?
I suggest trying Southern Cross Travel Insurance. I used them for my last trip, the Via Francigena, in pre-Covid 2019. I didn't need to make a claim but they seem to be right on top of the Covid situation
...and therein lies the problem! The 'risk' rating of a country can change at any time by any Government or authority. You could buy a policy in good faith which covers your needs at the date of purchase but suddenly find you no longer have the coverage necessary eg. for border entry requirements or your own peace of mind.While not intending to travel in 2022, I have just got travel insurance quotes for this year (22 March to 30 June from Southern Cross (SCTI) and from Travel Insurance New Zealand (TINZ).
Neither will cover Covid-19.
Specifically SCTI (as I read their wordings) will not offer any cover if the country has an adverse travel advisory (safetravel.govt.nz) issued at any time before or during travel.
For the options I chose: TINZ = NZD 1119 and SCTI NZD 1579
Kia kaha
I am Australian and have my flights booked for late March for the Portuguese Camino. I went with Zoom travel insurance as I have used them before and found them very helpful. They had no problem suspending the policy I had bought for my aborted 2020 trip and reactivating it for this upcoming one. Cost an extra $30 dollars to update.
As far as covid goes, I don't think many insurers will insure for covid related claims, and those that do have tight restrictions. The Zoom site says this : It is important to note that our policies have a general exclusion against epidemics and pandemics. That means that we don’t cover claims that arise from, or relate to, an epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19. How they define covid related is the question.
That's interesting Alywn, a previous post by TassieKaz contained a screen grab from SCTI, showing that they do indeed cover for Covid related medical and disruption if the traveller is fully vaccinated. On that info I was going to go with them, more research needed I feel before my hoped for April departure.While not intending to travel in 2022, I have just got travel insurance quotes for this year (22 March to 30 June from Southern Cross (SCTI) and from Travel Insurance New Zealand (TINZ).
Neither will cover Covid-19.
Specifically SCTI (as I read their wordings) will not offer any cover if the country has an adverse travel advisory (safetravel.govt.nz) issued at any time before or during travel.
For the options I chose: TINZ = NZD 1119 and SCTI NZD 1579
Kia kaha
Same. And they told me that over the phone but that was for July last yr to Raro. They said they’d only cover hospitalisation, not any travel related cost that arise due to covid. But that is now covered by most major travel airlines as they allow for that to happen and want to encourage travel. Best to call and talk to them as their online info re ‘which country is not advised to travel to’ is outdated. Last info I could just see morning is from April 2021That's interesting Alywn, a previous post by TassieKaz contained a screen grab from SCTI, showing that they do indeed cover for Covid related medical and disruption if the traveller is fully vaccinated. On that info I was going to go with them, more research needed I feel before my hoped for April departure.
I have sent an email to Zoom asking them to clarify 'covid related'. Waiting for an answer.Not responding to the Australian insurance question, but just that there are a number of insurance companies, at least in the USA, that will cover Covid19 medical expenses.
Hi Ross,Thanks for that Mack, I had a look at Covermore and they do seem to be pretty good, they do however have one slightly off-putting clause, We will not pay for any claims arising from or caused by COVID-19 if:
the government bans travel before or during your trip, such as: “Do Not Travel” travel warnings.
I'm reading that as it sounds, if we're away in France/Spain etc and the advice level gets raised from the current " Exercise caution" to "Do not Travel" then all bets are off and the insurance is null and void. I'm going to ask them if that does indeed mean that, despite purchasing the insurance with good intentions, if the govt change their mind then you're on your own.
That seems to be a bit unfair, changing the rules halfway through the game and all.
Thanks Margie, that's great information, I'll plan on doing the same. I'm very skittish about that clause after my sister had great trouble during a trip to Egypt a couple of years ago, when she left the Govt. advice was fine, they changed it to "do not travel" after she had arrived in Egypt and had been there some days, she then fell over at the pyramids, smashed her wrist and ended up in hospital, and, you guessed it, the travel insurance company refused to help her out siting the changed travel warning, no amount of legal argument swayed them and she ended up $$$$ out of pocket and a ruined trip and now with the sad realization that she will probably never get to see all the ancient ruins she had planned so long to visit.Hi Ross,
I rang Covermore a couple of months ago when I booked flights and asked exactly this question. I was told that the insurance is valid if there is no “ do not travel” restriction on the day (date) you enter the country and my understanding was that you would then be covered for the length of time you are in the country even if the travel advice changed to “do not travel”. Risky time would then be if travel advice changed after we left Aus and before we entered Spain. But I am going to check with them again on this.
I understand there is SCTI AU and there is SCTI NZ.a previous post by TassieKaz contained a screen grab from SCTI, showing that they do indeed cover for Covid related medical and disruption if the traveller is fully vaccinated
Hi Ross, That is really bad - I understand why you are concerned. I am definitely going to check again before I buy the policy.Thanks Margie, that's great information, I'll plan on doing the same. I'm very skittish about that clause after my sister had great trouble during a trip to Egypt a couple of years ago, when she left the Govt. advice was fine, they changed it to "do not travel" after she had arrived in Egypt and had been there some days, she then fell over at the pyramids, smashed her wrist and ended up in hospital, and, you guessed it, the travel insurance company refused to help her out siting the changed travel warning, no amount of legal argument swayed them and she ended up $$$$ out of pocket and a ruined trip and now with the sad realization that she will probably never get to see all the ancient ruins she had planned so long to visit.
Additional Expenses# | $Unlimited* |
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Return of Mortal Remains# | $50,000 |
Pet Boarding# | $300 |
Travel Services Provider Insolvency | $5,000 |
Amendment or Cancellation Costs# | $Cover Chosen^ |
Cancellation Extension# | See PDS for details |
Luggage and Travel Documents# | $15,000 |
item limit - Cameras and Video Cameras# | $4,000 |
item limit - Laptop Computers# | $4,000 |
item limit - Tablet Computers# | $3,000 |
item limit - Phones and Smart Watches# | $1,500 |
item limit - Drones# | $1,200 |
item limit - Medical Devices# | $1,200 |
item limit - Other Items# | $1,200 |
Delayed Luggage Allowance# | $1,100 |
Money | $250 |
Self Drive Holiday - Australia Only | Not available |
Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess | $5,000 |
Rental Vehicle Comprehensive Cover | Not available |
Travel Delay | $2,000 |
Resumption of Journey# | $3,000 |
Missed Connections# | $3,000 |
Special Events# | $5,000 |
Hospital Incidentals | $6,000 |
Hijacking | $5,000 |
Loss of Income | $30,000◊ |
Disability | $25,000◊ |
Accidental Death | $25,000◊ |
Personal Liability | $2,500,000 |
Business Pack | Not available |
Business Equipment# | $Nil |
Business Equipment Hire# | $Nil |
Replacement of Staff | $Nil |
Business Money | $Nil |
Kidnap and Ransom | $Nil |
Overseas Medical Expenses# | $Unlimited~ |
Overseas Emergency Dental Expenses# | $2,000 |
Claimed on Cover More re my Commonwealth Bank Master Card for $800 flights for TAPAirPortugal and due to Pandemic rejected by Cover More .Hi Mandy, yes, I think reading the fine print carefully would be very wise
Hi Lindigo, As far as I can tell there has been no changes to the various policy's currently available. I would point you to my previous post of Jan 26 above, relating to a quote from CoverMoreGood morning pilgrims, just wondering if there is any updated news about Australian insurance coverage for Australians going to Spain in March. Thanking you.
After exhaustive inquiries I have just insured with Covid Medical Expenese covered whilst in Europre at the best price . InsureandGo ..$1607 Silver Cover schedule.Thanks Kaz, great info.
And it covers my wife also.After exhaustive inquiries I have just insured with Covid Medical Expenese covered whilst in Europre at the best price . InsureandGo ..$1607 Silver Cover schedule.
After exhaustive inquiries I have just insured with Covid Medical Expenese covered whilst in Europre at the best price . InsureandGo ..$1607 Silver Cover schedule.
Insurers used to offer annual multi-trip insurance, but I see that our usual insurer has suspended that offer.This is a very useful thread. Thanks to everybody who has contributed. My wife and I will be away for longer than 90 days. I am over 70. Can anyone suggest an Australian insurer who provides cover for a longer period?
Insurers used to offer annual multi-trip insurance, but I see that our usual insurer has suspended that offer.
Is it possible to get two separate policies?
We've gone with SCTI, they seem pretty good so far, and they do up to 365days.This is a very useful thread. Thanks to everybody who has contributed. My wife and I will be away for longer than 90 days. I am over 70. Can anyone suggest an Australian insurer who provides cover for a longer period?
Have you tried InsureandGo ?We've gone with SCTI, they seem pretty good so far, and they do up to 365days.
Southern Cross Travel Australia
Get comprehensive travel insurance for your next adventure with SCTI. We cover overseas medical expenses, lost luggage, trip cancellations, and more. Get a quote now.www.scti.com.au
I think I did look at them, not sure now why nothing came of it, but I seem to remember that SCTI had cover for not being able to leave on the trip due to Covid, most others didn't seem to offer that.Have you tried InsureandGo ?
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